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Energy
ENERGY
The following topics are covered on this page:
District operations require electrical power for all of the "R" laterals. These laterals require that water be pumped uphill to the service area that is west of the aqueduct. Electrical power to operate these facilities is provided as part of CVP operations, but it is delivered under contract to PG&E. When rolling blackouts occur on PG&E outage blocks that serve District pumping plants, the pumping plants will also be affected. Please use the following link to a map showing outage blocks in Westlands. You will need a free add-in to your browser to view this map. Facilities in the same outage block appear in the same color.
Electricity interuptions will most likely occur during on-peak hours, from noon to 6:00 PM, and could last for one to two hours. Water user actions on the "R" laterals can cause the time required to reestablish service to be greatly extended. If the lateral is "dewatered" because deliveries nearer to the aqueduct are not promply shutoff, the time to "recharge" the lateral will be extended. District operations staff will make every effort possible to bring the lateral back into service, but if several laterals must be recharged at the same time, manpower may be stretched.
Power shortages being experienced in California will affect District facilities along with the rest of the state. Main conveyance facilities such as the Tracy, Banks, O’Neill, Dos Amigos and Pleasant Valley Pumping Plants are not scheduled to be part of the rotating block outages. Other District pumping plants and offices will be affected by the outages.
For your quick reference and convenience, we have enclosed a summary of the pumping plants associated with PG&E block outage number and letter designations. A map with outage blocks for District facilities is available, as mentioned in the link above.
When we become aware that a pumping plant is without power due to rotating outages, you will be notified by your accounting technician to turn off your deliveries. This will minimize the time needed to refill the system and restore water service. If you are aware that your lateral is being impacted by a power outage, please contact your accounting technician for updated information.
Once power is back on, you will be notified when you can resume delivery of water. It is anticipated that when power is restored, it will take four hours to complete the filling process. You will be required to get clearance from your accounting technician before you resume delivery of water. If water users begin delivery of water before filling is completed, it will take a longer period of time to fill the lateral. Your cooperation during these events will minimize the total amount of time you are without water.
As always, accurate and timely water orders are essential to the efficient operation of the district’s distribution system. During power outages, this information is even more critical. Please ensure that you and your staff follow the water ordering rules.
If you are unable to locate District staff at their usual telephone numbers, please call (559) 224-1523. A complete list of outage blocks is available on Landowner/Water User Notice dated May 9, 2001 .
Pumps are needed when water must be lifted or pressurized. The Water Management Handbook has information about calculating pumping costs. A KRCD newsletter has a good description of pump testing.
California Energy Commission -- Energy in Agriculture or Ag Peakload Red. Program.
Cal State Fullerton -- Energy Web Sites
Office of Energy Efficiency, Canada -- Links
State Energy Search -- Department of Energy
UC Energy Intitute Studies -- Projects